6 exciting overseas IPL first timers

Over the last 10 editions, the great Indian cricket carnival known as the IPL has given a platform to some of the most exciting players in the game to showcase their ability to the world. While the tournament is known to give great exposure to some of the lesser known talents within the country, it also gives an equal opportunity to those foreign players looking to put their names among the elites in international cricket. These foreign players might have already proved themselves in T20 leagues across the globe, but the IPL still remains one of greatest litmus test for any player

Before this slideshow starts, there is one honorable mention for a player who could not make it onto the list. The player being the prodigious 16-year-old Afghan spinner Mujeeb Zadran, who is bound to take the world by storm in the coming years.

Here is a list of 6 players from countries abroad, who will be looking to make their IPL debut in the upcoming edition and would be hoping to make a lasting impression on everybody:

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Jofra Archer (Rajastan Royals)

Player Role: Bowling all-rounder: Right hand batsman, right arm fast-medium bowler

This Barbadian-English all-rounder tore teams apart in the Big Bash League playing for the Hobart Hurricanes. Not only was he one of the highest wicket takers in the tournament with 16 wickets to his name, but his ability to tonk the ball lower down the order and his gun fielding skills meant he was the perfect package for the IPL. Furthermore, his friendly character and over-the-top calypso persona means that he is bound to be a fan favorite in India.

D'Arcy Short (Rajasthan Royals)

Player Role: Batting All-Rounder; Left-hand Opening Batsman, Left-arm Chinaman bowler

From one Hobart Hurricanes star to another, the Big Bash League's player of the tournament promises to be an exciting prospect. From the comparisons he draws with David Warner for his awe-inspiring ability to smash bowlers around the park to go with his mysterious left-arm chinaman deliveries, one would find it hard to believe that D'Arcy Short was not even a regular in his state side as recently as earlier this season. However, while it has been smooth sailing for Short so far, many a successful overseas T20 player has failed in the IPL and do not be surprised if the Aussie takes a while to find his feet here.

Sandeep Lamichhane (Delhi Daredevils)

Player Role: Right-arm leg-break bowler

It is quite possible that until two weeks ago, Sandeep Lamichhane was only the answer to a simple trivia question, "Who is the first Nepali player in the IPL?" But since then, Sandeep Lamichhane has been in the news for bagging 17 wickets in the ICC World Cricket Division Two. While one may scoff at the level of the tournament at which he has acheived the accolades, it is undeniable that it is indicative of his immense ability at the young age of 18.

Cricket lovers all around the world see the potential in him that Michael Clarke saw in him when they played together in Hong Kong's T20 league. In a span of two weeks, this 18-year- old has gone from being the answer to a trivia question to potentially being the person who can lead Nepal onto the big stages of cricket, the way Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan have led Afghanistan. There is not a single cricket romantic who would not love to see Lamichhane showcasing his magic in the IPL.

Jason Behrendorff (Mumbai Indians)

Player Role: Left-arm fast medium bowler

Barring his devastating 4 wicket haul against India in Guwahati, this Western Australian is an unknown commodity to Indian fans, who have not seen much of him. That is because he is extremely injury prone and misses more games than he plays. However, that one searing spell in Guwahati has left an impact on the minds on Indian cricket fans, who will be raring to see this Western Australian in action. Though he has missed the last two Big Bash seasons owing to injury, he does have a stellar record in the league playing for the Perth Scorchers: 45 wickets in 32 matches at an economy of 6.95. If he is able to replicate his success in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians fans are in for a treat.

Mark Wood (Chennai Super Kings)

Player Role: Right-arm fast bowler

The best way to describe fast bowlers from England over the years would be 'effective' and not 'exciting'. However, in Mark Wood, England has unearthed an exciting fast bowler who can bend his back and bowl with raw pace. Though he has only played 18 professional T20 games, Mark Wood, who is anything but the quintessential English bowler, can light up the IPL and in doing so, change this perception of English fast bowlers that fans in India have. Like most genuinely quick bowlers, there are days when Mark Wood gets hit for truckloads of runs; however, his wicket-taking ability and aggression with the ball means that he will be a bowler that the Chennai Super Kings' hierarchy will be tempted to throw into the mix.

Evin Lewis (Mumbai Indians)

Player Role: Left-hand opening batsman

Evin Lewis, who has modeled his game around his idol Chris Gayle's, is certainly an exciting prospect that all fans would be looking forward to seeing. Having seen him bludgeon India's bowling attack for two T20 International centuries in the last two years, the Indian fans are well aware of the prowess that the destructive opener's hitting possesses. With the Wankhede stadium being the batting paradise that it is, there is no doubt that this Trinidadian will set the IPL on fire this year.